Notification system for an assembly process at an assembly plant and a method

ABSTRACT

A notification system for an assembly process at an assembly plant includes a base unit of part of a product at the assembly plant and a first component coupled to the base unit at a station in the assembly plant to further define the product. A tag is coupled to one of the base unit and the first component. A reader is disposed downstream from the station at the assembly plant. The reader is configured to detect if the tag is coupled to one of the base unit and the first component when the product is scanned by the reader. Furthermore, a method of notifying a user during the assembly process at the assembly plant includes scanning the product, via the reader that is disposed downstream from the station at the assembly plant, to detect if the tag is coupled to one of the base unit and the first component.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 14/597,282, filed on Jan. 15, 2015.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a notification system for an assemblyprocess at an assembly plant and a method of notifying a user about aproduct during the assembly process at the assembly plant.

BACKGROUND

Various products are generally assembled at an assembly plant. Manycomponents are coupled together to form, e.g., a vehicle, an aircraft,an appliance, etc., hereinafter a “product”. Various assembly procedureshave been developed to assist with the assembly of products, inparticular, the process of assembling hoses to components.

For example, a hose clamp surrounds a hose and a pop clamp is utilizedto hold the hose clamp open. Once the hose is positioned on a componentof the product, the pop clamp is removed by an operator or user whichcauses the hose clamp to clamp around the hose. The operator then placesthe pop clamp in a hopper. The hopper can count when the pop clamp isplaced therein. However, the hopper cannot distinguish between differentobjects, so if an object other than the pop clamp is placed therein, thehopper will count it.

As another example, some hose clamps do not use the pop clamp discussedabove. Instead, the hose clamp stays open by a tab integrated on thehose clamp. Once the hose is positioned on the component of the product,the user utilizes a tool that releases the tab which causes the hoseclamp to clamp around the hose. The tool is removed from a sleeve whenbeing utilized and is placed back in the sleeve once the task iscomplete at that particular assembly station. The sleeve can identifywhen the tool is removed and placed back in the sleeve. However, thetool cannot identify whether all of the hose clamps have been releasedat that station.

Another type of tool that can be utilized to release the tab of the hoseclamps is an electric tool that can identify if the tool has been usedto release the tab. However, this tool cannot identify if another parthas been engaged instead of the tab.

As yet another example, a camera system has been developed that canvisually identify the pop clamp. The camera system is set up after aparticular assembly station, and as the product moves along the assemblyline past the camera system, the camera system visually looks at theproduct. If the camera system can visually see the pop clamp, the camerasystem will indicate to the operator that the pop clamp needs to beremoved and the operator will then remove that pop clamp. However, thecamera system cannot visually see every location of the product.

Other hose clamps include a threaded screw and a band to clamp the hoseclamp around the hose. An electric torque controlled tool threads thescrew which tightens the band around the hose. These tools cannotidentify whether all of the hose clamps have been tightened and arecumbersome to use.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides a notification system for an assemblyprocess at an assembly plant. The system includes a base unit of part ofa product located in the assembly plant and a first component coupled tothe base unit at a station in the assembly plant to further define theproduct. The system further includes a tag coupled to one of the baseunit and the first component. The system also includes a reader disposeddownstream from the station at the assembly plant. The reader isconfigured to detect if the tag is coupled to one of the base unit andthe first component when the product is scanned by the reader.

The present disclosure provides another notification system for anassembly process at an assembly plant. A base unit of part of a productis located in the assembly plant and a first component is coupled to thebase unit at a station in the assembly plant to further define theproduct. A hose is coupled to one of the base unit and the firstcomponent to further define the product. A hose clamp surrounds an endportion of the hose. A tag includes a body configured as a clip, withthe clip being engagable with the hose clamp to hold the hose clampopen. The clip is removable from the hose clamp after connecting the endportion of the hose to cause the hose clamp to contract around the endportion of the hose which secures the hose to one of the base unit andthe first component. A reader is disposed downstream from the station atthe assembly plant and configured to detect the tag. A failure of thereader to detect the tag when the product is scanned by the reader isindicative of the hose clamp being released to clamp the hose to one ofthe base unit and the first component.

The present disclosure also provides a method of notifying a user abouta product during an assembly process at an assembly plant. The methodincludes providing a base unit being part of the product of the assemblyprocess at the assembly plant and coupling a first component to the baseunit at a station in the assembly plant to further assemble the product.The method also includes coupling a tag to one of the base unit and thefirst component. The method further includes scanning the product, via areader that is disposed downstream from the station at the assemblyplant, to detect if the tag is coupled to one of the base unit and thefirst component.

The detailed description and the drawings or Figures are supportive anddescriptive of the disclosure, but the claim scope of the disclosure isdefined solely by the claims. While some of the best modes and otherembodiments for carrying out the claims have been described in detail,various alternative designs and embodiments exist for practicing thedisclosure defined in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a notification system disposedalong an assembly line, with components of a product at one station andillustrating the progression of those components to another station witha reader disposed between the stations.

FIG. 2 is a schematic fragmentary view of a base unit and a firstcomponent coupled together to further define the product.

FIG. 3 is a schematic exploded-fragmentary perspective view of acomponent of the product and a hose with a hose clamp therearound, andwith a clip holding the hose clamp open.

FIG. 4 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the clip holdingthe hose clamp open with the hose surrounding a portion of the componentfrom FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of another configuration of aclip.

FIG. 6 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the clip removedfrom the hose clamp with the hose clamp contracted around the hose andthe portion of the component from FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of another configuration of areader.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate like orcorresponding parts throughout the several views, a notification system10 for an assembly process at an assembly plant 11 is generally shown inFIG. 1. The notification system 10 can be disposed along an assemblyline 12 of the assembly process as shown in FIG. 1. The notificationsystem 10 can improve the assembly process by confirming variousassembly procedures have occurred.

Generally, many components 14, 16, e.g., parts, subsystems, etc., areassembled together to form a product, such as an appliance, a vehicle orany other suitable product that can utilize the notification system 10as discussed herein. Non-limiting examples of the appliance can includea washing machine, a dryer, a refrigerator, a dish washer, etc., andnon-limiting examples of the vehicle can include a car, a truck, anairplane, a boat, a water craft, a utility vehicle, etc. Thesecomponents 14, 16 are assembled together at the assembly plant 11 toform the product. Various components, e.g., parts, subsystems, etc., canbe preassembled before arriving at the assembly plant 11, and thesepreassembled components can then be coupled to various other componentsof the product during the assembly process. Furthermore, variousindividual components or parts can be coupled to various components ofthe product during the assembly process.

The notification system 10 includes a base unit 18 of part of theproduct located in the assembly plant 11 and a first component 14coupled to the base unit 18 at a station 20 in the assembly plant 11 tofurther define the product. The base unit 18 can be one or morecomponents of the product. Therefore, for example, the base unit 18 canbe a frame 22 or support structure, as shown in FIG. 2, etc. The firstcomponent 14 can be any component that is coupled to another componentof the product to further define the product. Therefore, for example,the first component 14 can be a valve (one non-limiting example is aninlet valve), a pump (one non-limiting example is a drain pump), aradiator, a power steering mechanism, etc. The base unit 18 and thefirst component 14 are shown schematically in the Figures since the baseunit 18 and the first component 14 can be any parts of the product. Oneexample of the base unit 18 is the frame 22 with a wheel hub coupledthereto, and one example of the first component 14 is a radiator.

Simply stated, the base unit 18 of FIG. 1 is the component(s) of theproduct that arrive at the station 20 of the first component 14.Therefore, after the first component 14 is coupled to the base unit 18at the station 20 of FIG. 1, the product moves to a next station 28, thefirst component 14 is incorporated with the base unit 18 to furtherassemble the product. As such, at the next station 28, a secondcomponent 16 is coupled to the updated base unit 18, and so on for anypreceding station(s) along the assembly line 12. The second component 16can be any component that is coupled to another component of the productto further define the product. It is to be appreciated that the secondcomponent 16 can be any suitable configuration, and thus can beconfigured the same or differently from the first component 14. Forexample, the first and second components 14, 16 can be seats that areconfigured the same, or alternatively, the first component 14 can be aradiator and the second component 16 can be a pump. As another example,the first component 14 can be an inlet valve and the second component 16can be a drain pump.

Generally, a plurality of products are assembled at the assembly plant11. The same or different types of products can be assembled along thesame assembly line 12. Therefore, a plurality of components 14, 16 aredisposed at each station 20 awaiting coupling to the base unit 18 ofeach product. As such, the first component 14 can be further defined asa plurality of first components 14 that are disposed at one station 20to await assembly to another base unit 18 and the second component 16can be further defined as a plurality of second components 16 that aredisposed at the same station 20 or a different station 28 to awaitassembly to another base unit 18. FIG. 1 illustrates the next firstcomponent 14 disposed adjacent to the assembly line 12 at the station 20awaiting assembly to the next base unit 18 and also illustrates the nextsecond component 16 disposed adjacent to the assembly line 12 at thenext station 28 awaiting assembly to the next base unit 18. It is to beappreciated that pallets or bins of components 14, 16 can be disposed atthe stations 20.

Optionally, one or more of the stations 20 can assemble more than onecomponent 14, 16 to the base unit 18. Therefore, for example, the firstcomponents 14 and the second components 16 can be combined into a singlestation 20 with both of these components 14, 16 assembled to the baseunit 18 at that station 20. Alternatively, the first and secondcomponents 14, 16 can be combined into a single station 20 but anoperator or user chooses either the first component 14 to couple to thatparticular base unit 18 or chooses the second component 16 to couple tothat particular base unit 18. To illustrate such a situation, when thefirst component 14 is a valve for one type of dishwasher and the secondcomponent 16 is a valve for another type of dishwasher, the operatorchooses one or the other depending on the particular base unit 18 atthat station 20.

Referring to FIG. 2, the notification system 10 further includes a tag30 coupled to one of the base unit 18 and the first component 14. Forexample, coupling the tag 30 to one of the base unit 18 and the firstcomponent 14 can be via attaching the tag 30 by any suitable method,some of which can be fastener(s), clip(s), adhesive, welding, molding,etc. As another example, coupling the tag 30 to one of the base unit 18and the first component 14 can be via embedding or integrally forming atone piece, etc., the tag 30 into one of the base unit 18 and the firstcomponent 14.

The notification system 10 also includes a reader 32 disposed downstreamfrom the station 20 at the assembly plant 11, as shown in FIG. 1. Thereader 32 is configured to detect the tag 30. For example, the reader 32is configured to detect if the tag 30 is coupled to one of the base unit18 and the first component 14 when the product is scanned by the reader32. The tag 30 and the reader 32 cooperate with each other such thatinformation can be communicated therebetween. The tag 30 and the reader32 can communicate with each other by any suitable devices, mechanisms,methods, etc., and various non-limiting examples are discussed below.

Generally, the tag 30 and the reader 32 can communicate with each otherthrough an active system or a passive system. It is to be appreciatedthat a plurality of tags 30 can be utilized along the assembly processand/or a plurality of readers 32 can be utilized along the assemblyprocess. Therefore, readers 32 can be set up at various stages ofassembly of the product to minimize downtime of the assembly process.

In certain embodiments, the tag 30 is a transponder, and the transpondercommunicates with the reader 32. The transponder can send an identifyingsignal in response to a signal sent by the reader 32. Therefore, variousinformation can be sent/received between the tag 30 and the reader 32.

The tag 30 can include a microchip 34 as best shown in FIGS. 3-6. Themicrochip 34 is configured to store information, and therefore, caninclude a memory 36 for storing information. Depending on the type ofactive or passive system that is being utilized, optionally, themicrochip 34 can include a battery 38 (this optional battery 38 is shownin FIG. 3 only) such that the tag 30 can emit a signal. Therefore, thetag 30 can be powered or unpowered.

In certain embodiments, the reader 32 can include a transceiver thatreceives a signal when the microchip 34 is detected. For example, thereader 32 can include an antenna 40 (as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7) thatreceives a signal when the microchip 34 is detected. Therefore, when thereader 32 scans the product, the antenna 40 sends out a signal that themicrochip 34 can identify and the tag 30 sends information back to theantenna 40, and thus the reader 32. For example, in certain embodiments,the tag 30 and the reader 32 communicate with each other utilizing radiofrequency identification (RFID). For this example, the antenna 40 of thereader 32 sends out a radio frequency that activates the microchip 34 tosend information back to the antenna 40 and thus the reader 32.Therefore, in certain embodiments, active RFID or passive RFID can beutilized.

The reader 32 can include a processor 42 and a memory 44 on which isrecorded instructions for communicating information regarding the tag30. The reader 32 is configured to execute the instructions from thememory 44, via the processor 42. The memory 44 can be, tangible,non-transitory computer-readable memory such as read-only memory (ROM)or flash memory. The reader 32 can also have random access memory (RAM),electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), ahigh-speed clock, analog-to-digital (A/D) and/or digital-to-analog (D/A)circuitry, and any required input/output circuitry and associateddevices, as well as any required signal conditioning and/or signalbuffering circuitry. Therefore, the reader 32 can include all software,hardware, memory 44, algorithms, connections, sensors, etc., necessaryto execute instructions based on the information received from the tag30.

Generally, the tag 30 can be any suitable configuration. For example,the tag 30 can be embedded in a body 46 as shown in FIGS. 2-6. The body46 can be in any suitable configuration and FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate twodifferent examples of the body 46. FIG. 4 illustrates the tag 30embedded in the body 46 or integrally formed as one piece with the body46. As shown in FIG. 5, the tag 30 can be attached to the body 46. Thetag 30 can be attached to the body 46 by any suitable method, such asadhesive, molding, fastener(s), welding, etc.

Furthermore, the tag 30 can be attached or embedded in any component ofthe product. For example, the tag 30 can be attached or embedded in avalve, an inlet valve, a pump, a drain pump, a rear-view mirror, airbagassemblies, a steering wheel, seat(s), an instrument panel, a radiator,a transmission, a final drive, an engine, a clip, etc. Therefore, thebody 46 can be configured as any suitable component(s) of the appliance,the vehicle, etc., some of which are discussed immediately above.

The reader 32 can be disposed downstream to one or more stations 20, 28as shown in FIG. 1. Therefore, for example, components 14, 16 at aplurality of stations 20, 28 can be coupled to the product and then thereader 32 can be utilized to scan the product. The product can bescanned by the reader 32 in any suitable method. For example, theproduct can move past a stationary reader 32, the reader 32 can movepast a stationary product or both the reader 32 and the product can moverelative to each other. As another example, the reader 32 can be ahand-held wand, etc., and the operator moves the wand relative to theproduct.

Examples of the stationary reader 32 are shown in the Figures forillustrative purposes, and are not to be limiting. As indicated above,the reader 32 can be any suitable configuration, and therefore, twodifferent examples are shown in the Figures for illustrative purposes.For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the reader 32 can also include a stand48, and the antenna 40 can be supported by the stand 48. As also shownin FIG. 7, the antenna 40 can be defined as a plurality of antennas 40spaced from each other and each supported by the stand 48. As anotherexample, the stand 48 can be defined as a plurality of stands 48 whichcan be configured differently from FIG. 7. At least one antenna 40 canbe supported by one of the stands 48 and at least one antenna 40 can besupported by another one of the stands 48. The stands 48 and/or antennas40 of FIG. 1 can be spaced from each other and substantially align witheach other. Optionally, the antennas 40 of FIG. 1 can be incorporatedinside the stands 48 or the stands 48 can be eliminated. The product,whether fully assembled or not, can pass between the stands 48 of FIG.1.

A hose 50, as best shown in FIG. 3, can be coupled to one of the baseunit 18 and the first component 14 to further define the product. Assuch, the hose 50 can be another component of the product. In certainembodiments, one end of the hose 50 can be preassembled to the firstcomponent 14 while another end of the hose 50 is to be attached to thebase unit 18 after the first component 14 is coupled to the base unit18. Alternatively, both ends of the hose 50 can be assembled to one ormore components 14, 16 at the station 20. A plurality of hoses 50 can beutilized along the assembly process as shown in FIG. 2.

Continuing with FIG. 2, a hose clamp 52 can surround an end portion 54of the hose 50. As shown in FIG. 2, one hose clamp 52 can surround theend portion 54 of one hose 50 and, if another hose 50 is desired,another hose clamp 52 can surround the end portion 54 of that other hose50. The hose clamps 52 are held open until the end portion 54 of therespective hoses 50 are coupled to the desired component(s). Therefore,in certain embodiments, the body 46 is configured as the clip. The clipis engagable with the hose clamp 52 to hold the hose clamp 52 open.Specifically, the clip engages the hose clamp 52 to hold the hose clamp52 open to connect the end portion 54 of the hose 50 with one of thebase unit 18 and the first component 14. As discussed above, the tag 30is attached or embedded in the body 46, and therefore, the hose clamp 52is tagged when the clip is holding the hose clamp 52 open. As such, FIG.2 illustrates two hose clamps 52 being held open by clips, and thus,these hose clamps 52 are tagged.

Referring to FIG. 6, to release the hose clamp 52 and secure the hose 50to the base unit 18 or another component, the clip is removed from thehose clamp 52. The clip is removable from the hose clamp 52 afterconnecting the end portion 54 of the hose 50 to cause the hose clamp 52to contract around the end portion 54 of the hose 50 which secures thehose 50 to one of the base unit 18 and the first component 14.Therefore, the hose clamp 52 is biased open when the clip is connectedthereto and the hose clamp 52 is biased closed when the clip releasesthe hose clamp 52. A failure of the reader 32 to detect the tag 30 whenthe product is scanned by the reader 32 is indicative of the hose clamp52 being released to clamp the hose 50 to one of the base unit 18 andthe first component 14. Said differently, the reader 32 does not detectthe tag 30 when the product is scanned by the reader 32 due to theremoval of the clip which indicates that the hose clamp 52 is releasedto clamp the hose 50 to one of the base unit 18 and the first component14. Therefore, the clip will not be part of the product as the productmoves to the next station 28 and the reader 32 will not detect thatremoved clip.

In certain embodiments, the hose clamp 52 can include a pair of tabs 56or ears, and the clip can include a finger 58 defining a recess 60 thatreceives the tabs 56 to hold the hose clamp 52 open. The clip can alsoinclude a handle 62 for grasping to remove the clip from the hose clamp52. Generally, the finger 58 extends outwardly away from the handle 62.The handle 62 can be any suitable configuration, and non-limitingexamples are shown in FIGS. 2-6 in which the handle 62 is a ring. Thehandle 62 can be configured ergonomically to minimize fatigue, and thering is one example.

The microchip 34 can be embedded in at least one of the finger 58 andthe handle 62. In one embodiment, the microchip 34 is embedded in thefinger 58. In another embodiment, the microchip 34 is embedded in thehandle 62. In yet another embodiment, the microchip 34 is partiallyembedded in the finger 58 and partially embedded in the handle 62.Alternatively, the microchip 34 can be attached to at least one of thefinger 58 and the handle 62. Therefore, the microchip 34 can be anysuitable location along the clip.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, the reader 32 can include an indicator 64that is activated if the reader 32 detects the tag 30 when the productis being scanned by the reader 32. Therefore, the indicator 64 can be incommunication with the reader 32 to cue the operator that the productneeds to be looked at. When the indicator 64 cues the operator,optionally, the assembly line 12 can stop. The indicator 64 can be inany suitable form and a few non-limiting examples are discussed below.For example, the indicator 64 can be a visible light, i.e., a lightlights up as a visual indicator. As another example, the indicator 64can be an audible mechanism, i.e., an audible noise that can be heard asan audible indicator. As yet another example, the indicator 64 can be adisplay 66, i.e., information is displayed on a screen. It is to beappreciated that more than one indicator 64 can be utilized, therefore,for example, more than one of the visible light, the audible mechanismand/or the display 66 can be utilized together.

In certain embodiments, a computer 68 can be in communication with thereader 32. When the indicator 64 is the display 66, the display 66 canbe in communication with the computer 68 to convey information regardingthe tag 30. Alternatively, the display 66 can be in communication withthe reader 32, instead of the computer 68, to convey informationregarding the tag 30. The computer 68 includes a processor 70 and amemory 72 on which is recorded instructions for communicatinginformation regarding the tag 30. The computer 68 is configured toexecute the instructions from the memory 72, via the processor 70. Forexample, the computer 68 can be a host machine or distributed system,e.g., a computer 68 such as a digital computer 68 or microcomputer. Thememory 72 can be, tangible, non-transitory computer-readable memory suchas read-only memory (ROM) or flash memory. The computer 68 can also haverandom access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read onlymemory (EEPROM), a high-speed clock, analog-to-digital (A/D) and/ordigital-to-analog (D/A) circuitry, and any required input/outputcircuitry and associated devices, as well as any required signalconditioning and/or signal buffering circuitry. Therefore, the computer68 can include all software, hardware, memory 72, algorithms,connections, sensors, etc., necessary to execute instructions based onthe information received from the tag 30.

The present disclosure also provides a method of notifying the user oroperator about the product during the assembly process at the assemblyplant 11. For example, various assembly procedures can be confirmedbefore the assembled product leaves the assembly plant 11. The methodincludes providing the base unit 18 which is part of the product of theassembly process at the assembly plant 11. As discussed above, the baseunit 18 can be one or more components of the product.

The method also includes coupling the first component 14 to the baseunit 18 at the station 20 in the assembly plant 11 to further assemblethe product, and coupling the tag 30 to one of the base unit 18 and thefirst component 14. In certain embodiments, coupling the tag 30 to oneof the base unit 18 and the first component 14 can be further defined ascoupling the tag 30 to one of the base unit 18 and the first component14 prior to coupling the first component 14 to the base unit 18 at thestation 20. Therefore, the base unit 18 and/or the first component 14can arrive at the assembly plant 11 with the tag 30 alreadyattached/embedded, etc. Alternatively, at the assembly plant 11, the tag30 can be attached to the base unit 18 and/or the first component 14before or when coupling the base unit 18 and the first component 14together.

The method further includes scanning the product, via the reader 32 thatis disposed downstream from the station 20 at the assembly plant 11, todetect if the tag 30 is coupled to one of the base unit 18 and the firstcomponent 14. Depending on the desired outcome when the product isscanned, the product can, for example, proceed to the next station 28 orbe stopped for further analysis. The outcomes are discussed furtherbelow.

The method can also include engaging the clip with the hose clamp 52that surrounds the end portion 54 of the hose 50 to hold the hose clamp52 open and connecting the end portion 54 of the hose 50 with one of thebase unit 18 and the first component 14 as the clip holds the hose clamp52 open. Once the hose 50 is positioned as desired, the clip can beremoved to release the hose clamp 52. Therefore, the method can alsoinclude removing the clip from the hose clamp 52 after connecting theend portion 54 of the hose 50 to cause the hose clamp 52 to contractaround the end portion 54 of the hose 50 which secures the hose 50 toone of the base unit 18 and the first component 14. The clip can bepreassembled to the hose clamp 52 before arriving at the assembly plant11 or the clip can be preassembled to the hose clamp 52 at the assemblyplant 11. Alternatively, the clip can be coupled to the hose clamp 52just prior to coupling the hose 50 to one of the components 14, 16 ofthe product. Optionally, the removed clips can then be placed in ahopper that counts the clips that have been removed. It is to beappreciated that the removed clips can be reused, thus providing costsavings.

When it is desirable to confirm that the tags 30 have been removed fromthe product during assembly, the reader 32 can indicate to the operatorwhen one or more tags 30 are detected. As such, when the productprogresses through one or more stations 20, 28, the reader 32 can bepositioned in a desired location to determine whether any tag 30 thatwas supposed to be removed from the product remains. Therefore, scanningthe product via the reader 32 occurs after removing the clip from thehose clamp 52. Generally, the reader 32 can compare an expected responsewith an actual response and outputs an appropriate response.

A failure of the reader 32 to detect the tag 30 when the product isbeing scanned by the reader 32 is indicative of the hose clamp 52 beingreleased to clamp the hose 50 to one of the base unit 18 and the firstcomponent 14, and the product passes to the next station 28. Saiddifferently, the product passes to the next station 28 if the reader 32does not detect the tag 30 which indicates that the hose clamp 52 isreleased to clamp the hose 50 to one of the base unit 18 and the firstcomponent 14. Therefore, the expected response, i.e., no tag 30 isdetected, matches the actual response, i.e., no tag 30 is detected. Withthis outcome, the product passes to the next station 28 and the reader32 does not activate the indicator 64.

As an alternative outcome, the assembly line 12 can be stopped to stopthe product if the reader 32 detects the tag 30 which indicates that thehose clamp 52 has not been released. Therefore, for this outcome, theexpected response, i.e., no tag 30 is detected, does not match theactual response, i.e., tag 30 is detected, and when this occurs, thereader 32 activates the indicator 64. By stopping the product, furtheranalysis of the location of the tag(s) 30 can be determined. Forexample, information retrieved from the tag(s) 30 can assist in locatingthe tag(s) 30. If utilizing the display 66, the display 66 can providethe information regarding the location of the clip(s) that have not beenremoved and the operator can then go to that location and remove theclip(s). If utilizing a different indicator 64, the operator can go tothe product and look for the clip(s) to be removed. Optionally, once themissed tag(s) 30 is/are removed, the reader 32 can rescan the productand the reader 32 again compares between expected and actual responses.

Alternatively or in addition to confirming that the clips have beenremoved, the reader 32 can confirm that the expected components 14, 16have been assembled together to create the desired product. When theproduct progresses through one or more stations 20, 28, the reader 32can be positioned in a desired location to determine whether thecomponents 14, 16 that have been coupled together to form the productobtain the expected information. Generally again, the reader 32 cancompare an expected response with an actual response and outputs anappropriate response.

The method can include comparing the actual response received by thereader 32 from scanning the product with the expected response expectedby the reader 32. When the actual response matches the expectedresponse, this is indicative of the appropriate first component 14 beingcoupled to that base unit 18, and that product passes to the nextstation 28. For example, the reader 32 can confirm that the expectedpart identification or serial numbers of the various components 14, 16match the components 14, 16 that are to be assembled to a specificproduct. Therefore, scanning the product via the reader 32 occurs afterthe station 20, and the product passes to the next station 28 if theinformation of the tag 30 matches the information expected to bereceived via the reader 32 for that product. In other words, if theexpected response, i.e., expects part identification A, matches theactual response, i.e., the scanned component is identified as partidentification A, then the product passes to the next station 28. Withthis outcome, the product passes to the next station 28 and the reader32 does not activate the indicator 64.

As an alternative outcome, the assembly line 12 can be stopped to stopthe product if the reader 32 detects different information than expectedfrom one or more tag(s) 30, which indicates that one or more components14, 16 were to be assembled on a different product. Therefore, for thisoutcome, the expected response, i.e., expects part identification A,does not match the actual response, i.e., the scanned component isidentified as part identification B, and when this occurs, the reader 32activates the indicator 64. By stopping the product, further analysis ofthe location of the tag(s) 30 can be determined. For example,information retrieved from the tag(s) 30 can assist in locating thetag(s) 30. The display 66 can provide the information regarding thelocation of the tag(s) 30 for the component 14, 16 to be removed andreplaced by the operator. Optionally, once the component(s) 14, 16is/are replaced with the intended component for that product, the reader32 can rescan the product and the reader 32 again compares betweenexpected and actual responses.

Optionally, when the product is fully assembled and ready for storageuntil being shipped, one or more readers 32 can be placed at the end ofthe assembly line 12 and the reader(s) 32 can retrieve and/or store allof the part identifications or serial numbers from the tag(s) 30 forthat particular product for historical records. This record storageoption can be utilized on each product assembled at the assembly plant11. The historical records of any of the products can then be retrievedat any later time as desired.

It is to also be appreciated that the method discussed above can includeother features not specifically identified in the method. Furthermore,the term “substantially” can refer to a slight imprecision or slightvariance of a condition, quantity, value, or dimension, etc., some ofwhich that are within manufacturing variance or tolerance ranges thatcan be subject to human error during installation.

While the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out thedisclosure have been described in detail, those familiar with the art towhich this disclosure relates will recognize various alternative designsand embodiments for practicing the disclosure within the scope of theappended claims. Furthermore, the embodiments shown in the drawings orthe characteristics of various embodiments mentioned in the presentdescription are not necessarily to be understood as embodimentsindependent of each other. Rather, it is possible that each of thecharacteristics described in one of the examples of an embodiment can becombined with one or a plurality of other desired characteristics fromother embodiments, resulting in other embodiments not described in wordsor by reference to the drawings. Accordingly, such other embodimentsfall within the framework of the scope of the appended claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A notification system for an assemblyprocess at an assembly plant, the system comprising: a base unit of partof a product located in the assembly plant; a first component coupled tothe base unit at a station in the assembly plant to further define theproduct; a tag coupled to one of the base unit and the first component;a reader disposed downstream from the station at the assembly plant andconfigured to detect if the tag is coupled to one of the base unit andthe first component when the product is scanned by the reader; whereinthe tag includes a body that is configured as a clip; and a clampcoupled to one of the base unit and the first component, and wherein theclip holds the clamp open during coupling of the clamp to one of thebase unit and the first component.
 2. The system as set forth in claim1: further including a hose coupled to one of the base unit and thefirst component to further define the product; wherein the clamp isconfigured as a hose clamp that surrounds an end portion of the hose;and wherein the clip engages the hose clamp to hold the hose clamp opento connect the end portion of the hose to one of the base unit and thefirst component.
 3. The system as set forth in claim 2 wherein the clipis removable from the hose clamp after connecting the end portion of thehose to cause the hose clamp to contract around the end portion of thehose which secures the hose to one of the base unit and the firstcomponent, and wherein a failure of the reader to detect the tag whenthe product is scanned by the reader is indicative of the hose clampbeing released to clamp the hose to one of the base unit and the firstcomponent.
 4. The system as set forth in claim 2 wherein the hose clampincludes a pair of tabs and the clip includes a finger defining a recessthat receives the tabs to hold the hose clamp open.
 5. The system as setforth in claim 4 wherein the clip includes a handle for grasping toremove the clip from the hose clamp, with the finger extending outwardlyaway from the handle.
 6. The system as set forth in claim 5: wherein thetag includes a microchip configured to store information, and whereinthe microchip is embedded in at least one of the finger and the handle.7. The system as set forth in claim 6 wherein the tag is a transponder,and the reader includes a transceiver that receives a signal when themicrochip is detected.
 8. The system as set forth in claim 1 wherein thereader includes an indicator that is activated if the reader detects thetag when the product is being scanned by the reader.
 9. The system asset forth in claim 8 wherein the reader includes a stand and an antennabeing supported by the stand.
 10. The system as set forth in claim 8further including a computer in communication with the reader, andwherein the indicator is a display in communication with the computer toconvey information regarding the tag.
 11. The system as set forth inclaim 1 wherein the tag and the reader communicate with each otherutilizing radio frequency identification (RFID).
 12. The system as setforth in claim 1 wherein the tag includes a microchip configured tostore information, and the reader includes an antenna that receives asignal when the microchip is detected.
 13. A method of notifying a userabout a product during an assembly process at an assembly plant, themethod comprising: providing a base unit which is part of the product ofthe assembly process at the assembly plant; coupling a first componentto the base unit at a station in the assembly plant to further assemblethe product; coupling a tag to one of the base unit and the firstcomponent; scanning the product, via a reader that is disposeddownstream from the station at the assembly plant, to detect if the tagis coupled to one of the base unit and the first component; wherein thetag includes a body that is configured as a clip; and the method furthercomprising coupling a clamp to one of the base unit and the firstcomponent as the clip holds the clamp open.
 14. The method as set forthin claim 13 wherein coupling the tag to one of the base unit and thefirst component is further defined as coupling the tag to one of thebase unit and the first component prior to coupling the first componentto the base unit at the station.
 15. The method as set forth in claim13: wherein the clamp is configured as a hose clamp; further comprisingengaging the clip with the hose clamp that surrounds an end portion of ahose to hold the hose clamp open; and further comprising connecting theend portion of the hose to one of the base unit and the first componentas the clip holds the hose clamp open.
 16. The method as set forth inclaim 15 further comprising removing the clip from the hose clamp afterconnecting the end portion of the hose to cause the hose clamp tocontract around the end portion of the hose which secures the hose toone of the base unit and the first component.
 17. The method as setforth in claim 16 wherein scanning the product via the reader occursafter removing the clip from the hose clamp, and wherein a failure ofthe reader to detect the tag when the product is being scanned by thereader is indicative of the hose clamp being released to clamp the hoseto one of the base unit and the first component, and the product passesto the next station.
 18. The method as set forth in claim 13 whereinscanning the product via the reader occurs after the station, andwherein the product passes to the next station if the information of thetag matches the information expected to be received via the reader forthat product.
 19. The method as set forth in claim 13 further comprisingcomparing an actual response received by the reader from scanning theproduct with an expected response expected by the reader, and whereinthe actual response matches the expected response is indicative of theappropriate first component being coupled to that base unit, and thatproduct passes to the next station.
 20. A notification system for anassembly process at an assembly plant, the system comprising: a baseunit of part of a product located in the assembly plant; a firstcomponent coupled to the base unit at a station in the assembly plant tofurther define the product; a hose coupled to one of the base unit andthe first component to further define the product; a hose clampsurrounding an end portion of the hose; a tag includes a body configuredas a clip, with the clip being engageable with the hose clamp to holdthe hose clamp open; wherein the clip is removable from the hose clampafter connecting the end portion of the hose to cause the hose clamp tocontract around the end portion of the hose which secures the hose toone of the base unit and the first component; a reader disposeddownstream from the station at the assembly plant and configured todetect the tag; and wherein a failure of the reader to detect the tagwhen the product is scanned by the reader is indicative of the hoseclamp being released to clamp the hose to one of the base unit and thefirst component.